The Guan'e Gou Scenic Area is situated in the suburbs of Dangchang County, Longnan City, Gansu Province. It is a National Forest Park, National Geopark, and a 5A-level National Tourist Attraction. The entire scenic area comprises three core zones: Guanzhu Gorge, E'man Gorge, and Leigu Mountain, covering a total area of 66 square kilometers with a forest coverage rate of 75.1%. The area features unique mountain landscapes, beautiful water scenery, dense forests, and secluded valleys, blending the grandeur of northern China with the elegance of southern China. It boasts over 20 lakes of varying sizes, shapes, and colors, more than 20 waterfalls, as well as dense primeval forests, alpine meadows, and perennial snow-capped mountains, earning it the reputation of "Penglai on Earth, Jiuzhaigou of Longnan."
Historical Culture
In 424 AD (the first year of the Yongjia period in the Western Jin Dynasty), Liang Qin, a Qiang chieftain, established the ancient Dangchang Kingdom. The Guan'e Gou Scenic Area focuses on "Dangqiang Culture" as its tourism theme. Luren Ancient Village serves as an important heritage site for Bon culture, housing over 20 volumes of ancient Tibetan Bon scriptures from the late Tang Dynasty and preserving the 300-year-old Bon monastery, Luren Temple. It is currently applying for the designation of "Chinese Historical and Cultural Village."
The ancient Qiang people practiced Bon religion and revered the Phoenix Mountain God. Leigu Mountain, at an altitude of 4,153 meters, is the highest peak in Longnan and a sacred site for praying to the Phoenix Mountain God. The Dangqiang Nuo Dance, originating from the religious rituals of the ancient Qiang people in Dangchang, has a millennium-long history. It was listed in the second batch of Gansu Province's Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008 and is pending national-level intangible cultural heritage status. Xinping Village, a well-preserved Qiang folk village in Dangchang, is applying for the title of "Chinese Traditional Village."
Main Attractions
Leigu Mountain
Leigu Mountain is one of the three main tourist areas in Guan'e Gou and the most sacred mountain in Longnan, with its main peak reaching 4,145 meters above sea level. Three sides of the summit are covered in perennial snow, with alpine meadows below and thousands of mu of alpine rhododendron forests growing on the meadows. The mountain experiences variable weather, while its lower regions are densely forested with primeval woods and diverse rare flora and fauna.
Earth Book Gorge
Due to crustal movements, shale here has been twisted into various deformed rock formations, some resembling open and overlapping books, others like swirling clouds or flowing water. The most distinctive feature is the stacks of "open books," giving the gorge its name, "Earth Book Gorge."
Xiunu Peak (Beautiful Maiden Peak)
Xiunu Peak, also known as Duxiu Peak (Solitary Beauty Peak), is surrounded by lower mountains that seem to gather around it in reverence. The dark-colored mountain body resembles a giant screen carved by a knife, with steep, vertical cliffs. Geologically, it is a "flysch" and a series of step-like normal fault systems formed by unique geological processes. Legend has it that after the death of Princess E'man, her spirit transformed into Duxiu Peak, gazing eternally at Leigu Mountain in the distance—the mountain said to be the incarnation of Prince Guanzhu.
Crocodile Pool
By the Crocodile Pool lies a massive rock shaped like a crocodile. In the Triassic limestone, normal faults have formed fault breccia, with the fault zone extending into the river to create carbonate caves. The rock resembles a crocodile with its head submerged in the pool and small peaks on its back overgrown with vegetation, hence the name "Crocodile Pool."
Zedang Tso
"Zedang" means "love" in Tibetan, so Zedang Lake is also known as Love Lake. At an altitude of 2,895 meters, it is nestled in the valleys of Leigu Mountain. Legend has it that Guanzhu transformed into Leigu Mountain to protect Zedang Lake—the final tear of Princess E'man—keeping it from drying up.
Food
Mutton with Steamed Dough Rolls
Made with high-quality local mutton, the meat is first stewed until tender, then layered with rolled dough and simmered until the dough absorbs the rich broth. The mutton is succulent, and the dough rolls are flavorful and chewy.
Potato Paste
Steamed potatoes are pounded in a stone mortar with a wooden pestle until they form a sticky paste. Served with pickled cabbage soup, chili, and garlic, it offers a soft, glutinous texture and a tangy, spicy taste.
Longnan Zagan Wine
This locally brewed wine, with strong regional characteristics, is made from highland barley, wheat, and other grains. The pale yellow wine has a fragrant, mellow aroma. To drink, pour it into a jar, add water, and use a bamboo or reed straw for shared sipping, creating a unique communal experience.
Admission
Full Ticket: 150 RMB/person (80 RMB for entry, 65 RMB for sightseeing bus, 5 RMB for insurance)
Senior Ticket (70+): 70 RMB/person (entry free, 65 RMB for sightseeing bus, 5 RMB for insurance)
Senior Ticket (60–69 years): 110 RMB/person (half-price entry 40 RMB, 65 RMB for sightseeing bus, 5 RMB for insurance)
Student Ticket (7–18 years): 110 RMB/person (half-price entry 40 RMB, 65 RMB for sightseeing bus, 5 RMB for insurance)
Free for children aged 6 and under
Prices are subject to change; please refer to the scenic area’s official updates.
Opening Hours
Open daily from 8:30 to 17:30; ticket sales and entry close at 16:30.
Itinerary
Day 1: Visit Guanzhu Gorge. Take the sightseeing bus from the main entrance to Tongtianmen Service Area, then hike from Tongtianmen to Guane Tianpu (Heavenly Waterfall), a 4.3-kilometer route taking about 3.5 hours. Day 2: Explore E'man Gorge. Take the sightseeing bus to Shibaxianghui (Eighteen Encounters), then hike from Shibaxianghui to Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), a 4-kilometer route taking about 4.5 hours. For those with extra time and energy, the foot of Leigu Mountain offers stunning natural views, but mountain crossing is prohibited due to ongoing cable car construction.
Transportation
- Public Transport: From Hadapu Railway Station, take a bus to Dangchang County Bus Station (10 RMB/person), then transfer to buses bound for Guanzhu Gorge (2 RMB/person) or E'man Gorge (6 RMB/person).
- Self-Driving: Drive along National Highway 212 from Longnan City. The parking lot offers free parking for the first 30 minutes, then charges 5 RMB initially, increasing by 1 RMB per hour up to 10 RMB maximum within 24 hours. Fees reset after 24 hours.
Must-See Attractions
- Leigu Mountain: Longnan’s tallest peak (4,145m), featuring snow-capped summits, alpine meadows, and rhododendron forests, with dramatic weather and mysterious charm.
- Zedang Tso: The "Love Lake" at 2,895m altitude, surrounded by legends and set like a sapphire in Leigu Mountain’s valleys.
- Guanzhu Gorge Lake Cluster: Including Yinping Lake, Princess Lake, and Sandie Lake, these clear, colorful lakes are framed by picturesque landscapes.
Tour Tips
- Allocate two days: Guanzhu Gorge on Day 1, E'man Gorge on Day 2, for a relaxed exploration.
- Pack a jacket for large temperature variations, even in summer.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for extended hikes.
- Bring snacks and water, but dispose of waste properly to keep the area clean.
Notes
- Respect scenic area rules; do not damage vegetation or facilities.
- Stay safe near water bodies; avoid dangerous areas to prevent slips and falls.
- Seek shelter immediately during bad weather (e.g., heavy rain, strong winds).
- Observe wild animals from a distance; do not feed or disturb them.